Getting to know... Ngaio Richards

Musician, tattooist and cat cuddler. Ngaio Richards talks to Nelson Magazine about what inspired her to become a musician and her hopes for the future.

At the weekend you’ll find me...
Jamming, performing or attending a gig. If I am not playing music myself, I like to go out and support other local musicians.

After work you’ll find me...
With winter coming, and the sun going down earlier, at this time of year I tend to cook dinner and spend time cozied up on the couch with my partner and cats. I already miss the summer nights of swims and picnic dinners.

As a child I was really into...
Spending time with my older brother and cousins. They had wild imaginations and I would follow along into the worlds and stories they would create. Some of my favourite memories are of us all hanging out together.

Something I learned way later than I should have...
Is how to say no, and that it is ok to say no... I think I’m still learning this.

The most spontaneous thing I’ve ever done is...
Take off for a solo trip to Thailand. At the last minute, I decided to go over to meet up with one of my best friends. She lives in Norway and it had been a few years since I had last seen her. It was a really last minute decision - I think it took a week from finding out when she was going to be there, to arriving in Bangkok airport.

A family tradition I will never give up is...
Jamming and making music with my brother. He first inspired me to learn guitar – when I was young I wanted to do everything he was doing, and now it is a big part of how we spend our time when we are together.

The biggest risk I’ve ever taken was...
Deciding to start tattooing. The first time I tattooed myself I felt confident and ready, but looking back it was a big thing to do. I love my tattoos and love tattooing others, so I’m really glad I made that first step.

My biggest regret is...
I honestly don’t think that I have many regrets in my life. I feel my experiences have helped me learn about myself and made me who I am today. The only regret I really have is not telling people I cared for how I truly felt or how much I loved them while they were still here. But that regret has influenced me to be more emotionally honest with the people in my life now.

I am most passionate about...
Mental health awareness and de-stigmatising talking about our mental health; taking care of and looking after yourself; talking about how you feel and sharing that with loved ones; reflecting and reaching out for help when you need it.

In ten years I hope...
To just be happy, doing the things I love, whatever they end up being. Maybe I will have new interests and goals, but I do hope I am still making music, spending time with family and still living somewhere near the ocean.